Cultural, social, sports, and leisure activities and subjective well-being during the pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and related restriction policies substantially limited cultural, leisure, sport, and social activities, with potential consequences for subjective well-being (SWB). Psychological development theories emphasize the centrality of social connection for mental health, suggesting that reduced relational opportunities may increase psychological distress. This study examined the effects of reduced participation in cultural, leisure, sport, and social activities on psychological well-being and explored whether these activities act as protective factors for SWB.